How to Install Locks for the Car

Installing locks on your car can be difficult if you have never done it before. Here are a few materials that you will need along with some steps that can help you through the process with ease.

Step 1 - Remove Old Lock

You need to begin with accessing the car. You will have to have the keys to get inside or if a lock has not been put in yet, you most likely will not need to worry about this. Then, you will need to get access to the actual car door so that you can install the lock properly. To do this you will need a screw driver and most likely pliers. You will need to unscrew and pry off the inside of the car door panel. You will also need to remove the handle which is typically held in by a few screws and can be taken off easily. Then, find the old rod and remove the bolts that are holding it in place. This will help to remove the entire handle if you were not able to do it before. Make sure that you keep everything until you are finished in case you need a bolt or screw from the old one.

Step 2 - Install New Lock

There is a clip and snap ring that actually hold the entire lock in place. All you really need to do is place the lock where it needs to be and then secure the ring around it. Be careful as this will keep it in place but you have to limit movement until everything is back together completely.

Step 3 - Assemble Handle

Finally, place the handle back where you removed it from and clip it back into place with the clip holding it. You can screw in with the screw driver if necessary. Then, make sure that the inside of the door handle is put back into place and screwed in. You can then, once the handle is completely secure, place the panel back on the inside of the car door. This may take the help of a friend or partner to hold the panel in place while the other person screws in the screws. Be sure to get each one of the screws put back in place where they belong and that everything has been secured. You will need to repeat this step if you have to install a lock on both the front doors or all of the doors in the car.

Now that you have finished installing the lock, you can test it out to make sure that everything works. If you do have a slight problem with the fit or turning when it is supposed to unlock, this can be due to a loosened piece of hardware and can be fixed if you go back through to double check that everything is on straight and tight.